The Farr Side: ‘Here We Go Again’ with Cher

David T. Farr More Content Now

Thursday

Oct 11, 2018 at 8:59 AMOct 11, 2018 at 8:59 AM

I once read an interview with Cher in Reader’s Digest that the diva’s most favorite thing ever written about her was that, “after nuclear war the only things left on Earth would be cockroaches and Cher.”

That was all about the time she did her first “Farewell Tour,” almost 20 years ago. That’s right, it was 1999′s “The Believe Tour.” My friend Kristie and I were lucky enough to score tickets for the show. And, we loved it. Cher was awesome, too. The production value was one of the best I’d seen at the time. Julio Iglesias Jr. opened.

Not quite a year later, I won tickets off the radio to see her tour again. It was so exciting because she’s just such a phenomenal performer. And, by this time, the tour had done so many shows that it flowed even better. Lou Bega opened.

Fast forward two more years and “Living Proof: The Farewell Tour” was rolling around. She just wasn’t ready to cash in just yet. And, why should she? She was one of the biggest touring acts in the world and still selling out large venues. Cyndi Lauper opened. Me and Kristie had now been to three Cher concerts and each time loved it.

My mom had always been such a fan of Cher, too. She loved her music, her TV appearances and her movies. She was proud someone her own age was still commanding such attention. Imagine my mom’s disbelief when I told her I was taking her to see Cher. It was 2004 and the “Living Proof Tour” came back around again. My mom screamed so bad when Cher appeared up through the stage. She even cried a little as this was one of her all-time favorites right there in front of her.

We had such a great time that night. The Village People even opened. How many people can you meet that can say they saw the Village People? We were both doing the “YMCA” dance, too. You just couldn’t help but get involved.

And, guess what? Cher’s “Farewell Tour” came back once more a year later. Obviously, mom had to go. It was the exact identical show all over again. But, it was even better because I got to share that time with her knowing how much fun she was having. We were so excited that Cyndi Lauper was back for this leg of the tour and that my mom could see her. She was a big Lauper fan, too. It was sure a great memory and one that I would never ever forget, especially after mom’s health began to turn.

Well, it’s now 2018, and she’s back at it again. The 72-year-old Cher is going out on one last farewell tour called the “Here We Go Again” tour. It’s in response to the release of her latest album, “Dancing Queen.”

“Dancing Queen” features the music of ABBA, which was spearheaded from her appearance in the “Mama Mia” sequel “Here We Go Again.”

The new album includes such ABBA classics as the title track, “Mama Mia,” “Fernando,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “SOS,” “Gimme Gimme A Man After Midnight,” and “Waterloo” to name a few.

Some people have questioned the need for such an album, but it’s Cher. Who questions Cher? Besides, the album is pretty dang good.

The tour promises to be a retrospective of the superstar’s 50-plus years in the business. I already have my tickets for the show in May 2019. I’m also excited because Nile Rodgers and Chic are going to open. It will be “Good Times,” for sure. — David T. Farr can be reached at farrboy@hotmail.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.